LEBANON: The Nine Lives of Premier Karami

When Lebanese President Suleiman Franjieh announced the appointment of his country's first military government, Beirut crackled with small-arms fire as Lebanese Christians celebrated. Last week the military government bowed out after three days, and again the city popped with gunfire. This time it came from Beirut's Moslem neighborhoods, rejoicing that Franjieh had asked former Premier Rashid Karami to head a civilian government. The change in leadership was precipitated by the latest in a series of clashes between the country's Moslem majority (about 60%) and Christian minority that have troubled Lebanon (pop....

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!